Dandong:Seoul The unification ministry expressed optimism on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent visit to the Chinese border city of Dandong could pave the way for renewed dialogue with neighboring countries.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un made an unexpected trip to Dandong on Saturday, where he held talks with Wang Huning, China's fourth-highest-ranking official. The meeting is seen as part of efforts by North Korea and China to strengthen their traditional ties.

Yoon Min-ho, a spokesperson for the unification ministry, stated at a regular briefing, "We hope the visit will contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and lead to the resumption of dialogue with neighboring countries." He also addressed speculation about a potential summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, indicating that the government is closely monitoring developments and is prepared to respond if such a meeting is proposed.

During the visit, Kim also toured a bus factory in Dandong. The purpose of this visit remains unspecified by North Korea, but it is perceived as an indication of Pyongyang's interest in enhancing cooperation with China in transportation and trade, despite U.N. sanctions that prohibit the export of transportation vehicles to North Korea.

Yoon also mentioned North Korea's recent dispatch of a letter to the U.N. Security Council, describing it as a "countermeasure" to a letter sent by Seoul following a mine blast on September 21 in the Demilitarized Zone. This incident resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, two of whom were seriously hurt. The North Korean letter reportedly reaffirms its position and seeks to justify its border fortification activities. The ministry is currently consulting with other relevant ministries to determine appropriate measures in response to the event.